If the lyrics from the popular song Let it Snow are still whirling around in your head long after Christmas, you need a hit of the tropics. Why not transport yourself to a rainforest where the weather is quite delightful? Can’t go south? No matter, you’ll find paradise just a short drive from home. The Centennial Park Conservatory, a 12,000 square foot glass house, is truly one of Toronto’s hidden gems. Managed by the Toronto Parks Department, this little known indoor oasis in Etobicoke is guaranteed to lift your spirits. As soon as you step inside, a whiff of the tropics transports you away from winter’s reality.
The main glass house features many rainforest plants including fully grown banana and palm trees, bird of paradise…even ginger, fig and guavas grow here. On a recent visit, oranges, lemons and kumquats were fruiting. In the pond, resident turtles loll about on a floating log and seem to be striking a pose for photographers …and the kids thinking about catching them.
Foggy clouds of mist swirl around a display of orchids and bromeliads. This tapestry of colours makes a fitting back drop for the pastel-hued budgies who chatter incessantly in a nearby cage. One of the birds loves to put on a performance for those who pass by. The cage is open and he frequently takes to the air, landing on the shoulders and hands of unsuspecting, but delighted visitors. Across the path, a cheeky white cockatoo emits furious squawks; it’s as if he is saying “Hey, what about me?” As attention turns to the cockatoo, the budgie heads back to his perch. He knows it won’t be long before a fresh batch of visitors will be by and the show can start all over again.
Adjacent to the main green house are two more wings, each showcase dramatically different environments. The bright, south wing is hot and dry. It is dedicated to desert flora with dozens of varieties of cacti, yuccas and succulents in bloom. Aloe vera, best known for the jelly-like substance inside the leaf that sooths cuts and burns, are blooming with abandon, their eye-catching, pumpkin coloured spires putting on a spectacular show.
In all three wings, no matter what time of year you visit you’ll find seasonally appropriate flowers planted among the permanent collections. The most elaborate floral show is in the North Wing where the garden designers’ talents really shine. Displays are created to reflect holidays such as Christmas and Easter and to highlight the four seasons. The show changes eight times a year. During the holidays you can see gorgeous displays of unique varieties of poinsettias. After the holidays the poinsettias are replaced with cyclamen and kalanchoe, followed by the spring bulbs…daffodils, hyacinths and tulips and then Easter lilies. Martha Washington geraniums precede the summer show of annuals and bedding plants. As autumn approaches, chrysanthemums take centre stage.
Whether you are a plant fancier hoping to get a glimpse of something unusual or just want a little respite from our too long, cold Canadian winter, a visit to this botanical heaven is perfect little “holiday” not far from home.
Centennial Park Conservatory
151 Elmcrest Rd., Etobicoke, ON
416-394-8543
Free admission and parking
Open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.